Food Therapy: Manzo @ Eataly

I love meat.  I love Italian food.  I had to try Manzo at Eataly, the new Italian supermarket/food court/wine bar/restaurants (and more).  To avoid disappointment, I went in with NO expectations.  As a result, I left with a fantastic experience!!  (Let me just say that (a) it's crazy crowded inside Eataly, (b) it ain't cheap to eat at Eataly and (c) it takes a few trips to get a feel for the layout of the place.) 

Since we didn't have reservations, we had about a 45-minute wait.  What did we do for 45 minutes?  We kept ourselves busy by tasting an antipasto tasting platter and downing some prosecco at the wine bar!!

• We ordered an antipasto platter of cured meats and cheese:

• It also came with honey, figs, and bread (wrapped in brown paper):

• Between the three of us (me, Sunshine and my dad), a bottle of prosecco was the better value than having everyone order by the glass:

We received the "You Table Is Ready"call just as we were finishing up our antipasto platter.  It turns out that we didn't get a table but three seats at the bar. And it was probably better than getting a table!  It's more relaxed and if you want the attention of your waiter, you have it...because he's right in front of you.  Think sushi bar experience (less the sushi) rather than bartender bar experience.

I wanted to order the Beef Tasting Menu (because how could you not want to with that name??), but we were all a bit full from the antipasto, so we ordered a la carte and shared every dish.

• We kicked off the meal with the Carpaccio Of Tenderloin: (Beef carpaccio has always been a favorite of mine.  I didn't really want to share this one...)

• It was then followed by a very addictive Agnolotti Del Plin with brown butter and pargmigiano: (My dad didn't really want to share this one...)

• I really enjoyed the Pappardelle with sausage and radicchio trevisano:  (Sunshine really didn't want to share this one...)

• I ordered the Fried Quail as my entree:  (I'm a huge fan of both fried food and quail, so how could I not??)

• And the boys ordered the Ribeye For Two as their entree:

Yes, I did share my quail...because I really wanted to taste the ribeye.  The ribeye was good but I'm still partial to the Grilled Ribeye For Two at Babbo (my waiter told me that the chef hails from Babbo) because I really appreciate a drizzle of balsamic vinegar over my ribeye.

I will make reservations next time for the Beef Tasting Menu.  This way there won't be a wait and I won't end up filling my tummy with antipasto.

Note: Eataly is located at 200 Fifth Ave (b/w 23rd and 24th St), NY, NY.